FORT KNOX, Ky. (October 17, 2011) -- Members of the University of Louisville women's basketball team took on Dunagan Teamwork Development Course Friday, Oct.14 at Fort Knox.
The event, sponsored by the 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) tested the women's basketball team both mentally and physically.
Head coach Jeff Walz said that even though he has a very talented basketball team, the course would help to establish which players would step us as leaders for the upcoming season.
"For us right now, it's all about who wants to be a leader," said Walz. "We want to know who has the intangibles inside of them to step up and lead our team."
Walz said that the course taught his players the value of teamwork and to trust one another.
Throughout the course, the team took on obstacles that simulated various combat situations. Simulated were river crossings, bridges, quicksand and minefields. Often, with most of the obstacles, team members were tasked with getting themselves and supplies from one point to the other without failure using wooden planks and rope.
For the 3d ESC cadre running the range, the event gave them the opportunity to see how non-military personnel worked together to complete the obstacles. Most felt as if the skills developed during the course could easily translate to the basketball court.
"This event gave me the opportunity to see a team function successfully outside of their element," said Master Sgt. Roanna Sessoms, the 3d ESC master resilience trainer. "I saw and experience their cohesion as a team. They will benefit on the court from going through this course."
According to members of the coaching staff, team and cadre, the event was successful. The most common responses from the team members were that the obstacles were far more difficult to complete than what they appeared.
But according to the players, the mental focus required to complete the obstacles will be beneficial during the season.
"This course required us to mentally focus on the task, which is what we have to do on the basketball court," said senior forward, Monique Reid. "We were able to work together as a team, focus and communicate. All things we need on the basketball court."
Photos and story by Staff Sgt. Michael Behlin, 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) public affairs.
For queries, contact 3d Sustainment Command Public Affairs at: (502) 624-8601.
For high-resolution photos and stories by the 3d Sustainment Command, please contact the Digital Video and Imagery Distribution System by calling (678) 421-6612 or access them online at http://www.dvidshub.net/units/3sce.
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